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A few months back, a nonprofit called Project Heal, reached out to us with an interesting proposition. A mother and daughter out of Bridgeport, CT, Lisa Gfeller and Elizabeth Laudadio respectively, had a 200+ collection of shoes that they wanted to donate in support of the nonprofit.

For a bit of context, Project Heal is an organization that helps relieve the financial burden associated with eating disorder treatment, making recovery possible for people who otherwise, couldn’t afford it. Gfeller and Laudadio had been incredibly attached to this shoe collection because it belonged to Lisa’s late daughter and Elizabeth’s older sister, Kathryn.

Kathryn had a years-long battle with anorexia and bipolar disorder before she eventually lost her life. Her precious shoe collection had been her way of coping with her otherwise overwhelming emotions.

Lisa and Elizabeth wanted Kathryn’s shoe collection to help other girls, battling with eating disorders to have the opportunity to recover. That’s where we came in.

Today, we are auctioning off one special pair of Elizabeth’s shoes. 100% of net proceeds from the auction will go to Project Heal to create a scholarship for eating disorder treatment in Kathryn’s name.

When we asked Lisa and Elizabeth why they chose this specific pair of shoes for auction, they said:While preparing to send Fashion Project the shoes, we looked at each pair – and immediately felt that the Starrynite shoes epitomized Kathryn’s collection: dramatic, fun-loving, and beautifully curated. The Starrynite shoes are a playful twist on an otherwise simple shoe: while a black suede platform may not garner much attention on its own, the cut-out and bright metallic star make this pair a real eye catcher. I always admired Kathryn’s ability to make something classic into something uniquely her own, as she explains in the quote from her at the end of the My Story.

“It’s a form of visible expression. It’s an art for me. I’m inspired by emotions and feelings and the world around me. When I see styling that I love, I emulate it with a personal twist. It’s my way of taking in what inspires me and making it personal so that when I put it out into the world, it can do the same for others.” – Kathryn Laudadio

Happy Bidding!

Get your bidding hats on- we are hosting another celebrity auction! Earlier this year, we received a handful of incredible celeb-owned items. All items have been donated in support of Unite4: Good Foundation, an organization whose mission is to inspire global citizens to embrace positivity and acts of kindness, leading to worldwide collaboration and good will.

Full disclosure: most of us here at Fashion Project are living, breathing, Real Housewives addicts.
As in, must see every episode and discuss and dissect immediately following. Hey, even do-gooders have their vices.

When it comes to a woman’s accessories, few can dispute the innate power they command. The perfect kitten heel, an enchanting clutch, a wild stiletto: each carry with them a story of origin and the ability to transform an outfit, conversation or evening.